A Superb Old Burmese Ox Cart Ornament Shan State Burma Myanmar Dating from the 19th Century

A Superb Old Burmese Ox Cart Ornament Shan State Burma Myanmar Dating from the 19th Century

This superb old sculpture was once on the front of an Ox Cart ( see old photo above) these Ox Cart Sculptures were a form of protection for the owner & passengers.  Carved in the form of a powerful tiger attacking a young woman is based on an old Burmese folk tale where two brothers, are messengers for King Anawrahta.  Minsaw (1014 –1077) was the founder of the Pagan Empire (849–c. 1300). These two brothers fell in love with a young girl but she rejected them both, it is said that these two spurned brothers were so angry that sent a tiger to kill her. Thus, this image of the tiger holding the girl in his jaws is the girl’s fate.  The Figure has significant age & old patina from long use, it could be old than the 19th Century.

The Art of Myanmar refers to visual art created in Myanmar (Burma). Ancient Burmese art was influenced by India and China, and was often religious, ranging from Hindu sculptures in the Thaton Kingdom to Theravada Buddhist images in the Sri Ksetra Kingdom. The Bagan period saw significant developments in many art forms from wall paintings and sculptures to stucco and wood carving.

A wide variety of mythical creatures are found in Burmese mythology. Many Burmese creatures are part human or creatures capable of assuming human form. Most mythical creatures are endowed with the ability to converse with humans and have supernatural powers. Since long before the introduction of Buddhism, there has been a pronounced belief in animism among the native people of Burma, even today, the 37 primary Nats are essentially spirits that can make life difficult for those who do not accord them sufficient respect and esteem. They are an integral part of the religious beliefs of the Burmese people.  The people of Burma appease and honor them with offerings of flowers, money, and food, placed on special altars. Originally, each village had its spirits.

Travel for work and pleasure was often by Ox Cart in Burma & other Southeast Asian countries for centuries. Festival carts were always decorated elaborately, Ox Cart races have also been a beloved sport. Burma has a long tradition of decorating its bullock carts with wonderful sculptures that reflect their culture and mythology.

Burma’s past was steeped in animism and shamanism that included the belief that inanimate objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence that may influence human life for the better or worse and, therefore, deserve worship or at least placation to bring positive energy to their lives.

These are rare, I only ever bought this one because it was the finest one & all the other examples were not

See more fine antique Burmese & Buddhist Art here on my website https://www.oceanicartsaustralia.com/asian-art/buddhist-art/

Provenance: Old Collection Thailand & The Todd Barlin Collection of Asian & Oceanic Tribal Art  

Literature: Burmese Medicine Figures Tribal Art Mag Autumn 2018 by Marc Petit

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